Method and apparatus for automatic pest trap report generation and additional trap parameter data

ABSTRACT

A reporting system for collecting, communicating and analyzing information from a plurality of pest monitoring locations is disclosed. The monitored locations include activity sensing pest devices. These devices can include traps and/or passive and active monitoring devices not having a trapping or killing functionality. While traps may constitute the majority of activity sensing pest devices in a given pest control program, devices which only monitor pest activity may be preferred in some locations and applications. The system includes automatic reporting from the plurality of activity sensing pest devices and also includes physical inspection data. Preferably an automatic real-time communication system is used, with the preferred communication system being a radio-frequency (RF) or other over-the-air system. However, hardwired systems, use of a personal digital assistant (PDA) as an interim data carrier, and other technologies may also be employed. Manual input means for providing the additional physical inspection data on the activity sensing pest device parameters and a computer based report generation means (of the resulting combined data) provide for a robust and efficient pest monitoring and/or trapping tool.

This is a divisional of U.S. application Ser. No. 10/400,952, filed Mar.27, 2003, which claims the benefit of provisional application Ser. No.60/368,647, filed Mar. 29, 2002, the entire contents of which areincorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates generally to a method and apparatus for providingreporting on a plurality of activity sensing pest devices; moreparticularly to a system for providing automatic reporting from aplurality of activity sensing pest devices together with physicalinspection data; and still more particularly to an automatic real-timereporting system for a plurality of traps with manual input means forproviding additional data on trap parameters based on physicalinspection and a report generation means on the resulting combined data.

BACKGROUND

Rodents, flies, cockroaches, and other nuisance insects and animals(hereafter referred to collectively as “pests”) create health concernsand introduce spoilage, among other concerns. Many businesses deploy avariety of traps and/or monitors throughout the business' physicalpremises and facilities to insure a reduction and/or elimination of suchpests. These actions can be undertaken to insure inspection compliance,to maintain sanitary conditions, reduce spoilage, comply with applicablelaws and regulations, and/or increase consumer confidence. Even uponcomplete elimination of pests from a physical site, however, the pestscan often find their way back into the premises. For example, opendoors, windows or loading docks, cracks in foundations, delivery ofcontaminated materials or packaging, etc., may all provide an avenue foraccess back into the premises. Therefore, even if the pests are reducedor eliminated, pest traps are continuously used in order to detect thepresence of pest activity.

Since many physical plants are large, often a great many traps arerequired to adequately cover the premises. As the number of trapsincreases, so too does the time and labor required to physically inspectthe traps. Presently, physical inspections of each and every trap at afacility are performed at desired time intervals (e.g., weekly ormonthly). These inspections insure that captured pests are removed fromthe trap, that the trap is in working order and that the trap is stillin the proper location. It will be appreciated, however, that while eachtrap is inspected, such inspection is not oftentimes needed for eachtrap. For example, in many cases a large number of traps did not catchany pests in the given time interval, the traps are still in workingorder and the traps are properly placed.

In the prior art, systems have been developed (such as U.S. Pat. Nos.4,517,557; 4,884,064; and 5,949,636) which are focused principally onnotification of trap activity. These same devices suffer from drawbacksin that they do not provide additional information regarding the time ofactivity, the condition of the trap and the ability to track otherparameters which may help reduce the pests on a more constant basis onthe premises.

For example these prior art systems do not have the ability to reconciledifferent modes of trap activity, such as human or environmentalinterference with actual pest activity. A pest control system canpreferably differentiate pest and non-pest activity in order to useinformation to identify and address the source of pest activity. Anadditional drawback of systems in the prior art is the lack of abilityto track the action(s) taken once trap activity occurred. Such actionsmay include the trap being inspected and emptied, if required, as wellas the time between trapping a pest and removing it from the facility.

Pest information systems utilizing barcode scanning and manual datainput are also known in the art. These systems (such as the bar codingsystem sold under the designation Estat by the assignee of the presentinvention, Ecolab Corporation, as part of its Ecopro system) do notquantitatively track pest activity as a function of desired timeintervals (e.g., such as daily, hourly, etc.). Additionally, the priorart barcode scanning systems do not provide data or otherwise indicatepotential trap activity prior to actually visiting the trap.

A combination of activity sensing pest devices equipped with feedbackmechanisms would significantly improve the ability to deliver pestcontrol at a facility. For example by having a more comprehensiveunderstanding of the conditions which existed when the pest wascaptured, such conditions may be altered so that the opportunities tocapture additional pests and/or reduce the re-introduction of pests intothe facility are maximized. By taking such proactive steps, the costsand labor associated with monitoring the traps may be ultimatelyreduced.

Therefore, there arises a need for a pest monitoring and reportingapparatus and method which provides timely reporting on pest conditionsand for the introduction of additional data from a physical inspectionof the pest monitoring location. The pest monitoring location can be apassive or active monitoring location, can include trapping, and/or caninclude a combination of monitoring and trapping. Further, such systemwould also help reduce unnecessary visits to a number or percentage ofthe locations and traps that do not require physical inspection at thattime. The present invention directly addresses and overcomes theshortcomings of the prior art.

SUMMARY

The present invention provides for a method, apparatus and reportingsystem for collecting, communicating and analyzing information from aplurality of pest monitoring locations. The monitored locations includeactivity sensing pest devices. These devices can include traps and/orpassive and active monitoring devices not having a trapping or killingfunctionality. While traps may constitute the majority of activitysensing pest devices in a given pest control program, devices which onlymonitor pest activity may be preferred in some locations andapplications. Accordingly, both types of devices may be utilized in thevarious environments in which the present invention may be employed.Further, unless the context provides otherwise, both traps and passiveor active pest monitoring devices are included within both the scope ofthe term “activity sensing pest devices” and within the scope of theinvention.

The system provides automatic reporting from a plurality of activitysensing pest devices and further includes physical inspection data. Theresulting reports, due to the additional information, provide a finergranularity report than was possible in the prior art. Further, in thepreferred embodiment, an automatic real-time communication system isused in connection with a plurality of activity sensing pest devices.The communication system is preferably radio-frequency (RF) or otherover-the-air system. However, hardwired systems, use of a personaldigital assistant (PDA) as an interim data carrier, and othertechnologies may also be employed. Manual input means for providing theadditional physical inspection data on the activity sensing pest deviceparameters and a computer based report generation means (of theresulting combined data) provide for a robust and efficient pestmonitoring and/or trapping tool.

In one preferred embodiment of the present invention, a deviceconstructed in accordance with the principles of the present inventionincludes a plurality of pest presence sensors located within, adjacentor proximate to a plurality of pest traps. As noted above, the sensorsmay also be used without a trapping or killing functionality directlyassociated therewith. Therefore, the individual sensors detect thepresence of a pest, detect the presence of a pest in a respective trapand/or detect that the trap has operated in a manner indicating thepresence of a pest within the trap (e.g., that the trap was activated).When the sensor detects this condition, a pest signal is generated and acommunication device acts to relay the event data and a trap identifiercode to a computer. The sensor may also provide a time stamp for theevent data. Alternatively, the computer can generate a time stamp basedon the time that the signal is received. Since many traps are multiplecatch traps, the present invention provides for recording and trackingmultiple events from a single trap. Similarly, pest monitoring devicesthat do not include a trap often can provide information on multiplepest events. The transmitted data is collected in a database programrunning on the computer, and an initial report is generated.

During or subsequent to generating the initial report, a physicalinspection of those traps generating one or more events occurs. Thephysical inspection includes resetting traps, identifying false positivetrap conditions, correcting trap location placement, and identifyingother trap parameter data. Such data is preferably input at the trapitself via a manual data entry device. It will be appreciated, however,that such physical inspection data may also be temporarily stored in aportable computer (for example a personal digital assistant (PDA)) andsubsequently downloaded into the computer database. A physicalinspection can also be made of an area in which a monitoring device islocated only for pest detection and not trapping. Inspection of suchareas are preferably made if such monitor has generated one or more pestdetection signals.

The resulting final report includes pest monitoring data, trap eventdata and the physical inspection data. This final report is beneficialto the pest control vendor and/or physical location manager since thecombination of location, time stamp and physical inspection data canlead to determination of pest infiltration avenues. Furthermore, bygenerating an initial report, the physical inspection may be modified tovisit only those traps or locations generating an event. Alternatively,a predetermined number and/or percentage of the other traps at thefacility may also be visited on a periodic basis to insure that thetraps are operable, properly placed, etc. Because fewer traps need to bevisited on each physical inspection tour, less time is spent at thefacility by the inspectors. This improves efficiency and costeffectiveness of the pest control program, while also improving thereporting function and the proactive nature of the pest control program.

Therefore, according to one aspect of the present invention, there isprovided a pest monitor reporting system, comprising: a pest reportdatabase; a plurality of sensors, the sensors associated with respectiveactivity sensing pest devices, the sensors being arranged and configuredto determine if a pest is in the area monitored by the sensor and togenerate a pest signal; a communication device, operatively connected tothe sensors, for receiving the pest signal and for communicating to thepest report database that a pest signal occurred and the specificactivity sensing pest device at which the pest signal occurred, whereinthe pest report database is updated.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provideda pest monitor reporting system as described in the preceding paragraphwherein the pest activity sensing devices include a pest trap and/orinclude a pest monitor that does not include a trapping function.

According to a further aspect of the invention, there is provided a pestreporting method for a plurality of activity sensing pest devices (e.g.,pest traps and/or monitors), comprising: monitoring a plurality of pestpresence signaling devices associated with a similar number of pesttraps and monitors; recording the occurrence of pest presence signalsand associating the pest presence signal with individual traps andmonitors; physically inspecting the pest traps and monitors whichgenerate a pest presence signal; determining whether the pest presencesignal is due to a pest or some other event; and recording additionaldata based on the physical inspection.

Another aspect of the invention includes the method as set forth in thepreceding paragraph and further including one or more of the followingadditional steps: electronically recording additional data regardingtrap condition; physically inspecting a number of the plurality of trapswhich did not generate a pest presence signal; generating a first reporton the traps which generate a pest presence signal; and generating asecond report which includes the pest presence signal data and theadditional data.

While the invention will be described with respect to preferredembodiment configurations and with respect to particular devices usedtherein, it will be understood that the invention is not to be construedas limited in any manner by either such configuration or componentsdescribed herein. Also, while the particular types of pests and trapsare described herein, it will be understood that such particular pestsand traps are not to be construed in a limiting manner. Instead, theprinciples of this invention extend to any environment in which pestdetection is desired. Further, while the preferred embodiments of theinvention will be generally described in relation to transmitting andreceiving RF information from the traps, it will be understood that thescope of the invention is not to be so limited. These and othervariations of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in theart upon a more detailed description of the invention.

The advantages and features which characterize the invention are pointedout with particularity in the claims annexed hereto and forming a parthereof. For a better understanding of the invention, however, referenceshould be had to the drawings which form a part hereof and to theaccompanying descriptive matter, in which there is illustrated anddescribed a preferred embodiment of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Referring to the drawings, wherein like numerals represent like partsthroughout the several views:

FIG. 1 is a functional block diagram of an automatic pest control reportgeneration with additional trap parameter data system.

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of the report generation process of thesystem of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a representative trap location map illustrating the pluralityof pest traps, with the traps including trap identifier codes.

FIGS. 4 a-4 d are representative reports of the database program for thetraps illustrated in FIG. 3.

FIG. 5 a schematically illustrates a functional block diagram of a flycounter with an optional trapping function constructed in accordancewith the principles of the present invention.

FIG. 5 b schematically illustrates a functional diagram of an exposedelevated side view of the fly trap of FIG. 5 a.

FIG. 5 c schematically illustrates a functional diagram of an exposedelevated end view of the fly trap of FIG. 5 a.

FIG. 6 schematically illustrates a functional block diagram of adestructive electrocution insect light trap constructed in accordancewith the principles of the present invention.

FIG. 7 a illustrates a perspective view with portions broken away of awind-up type rodent trap constructed in accordance with the principlesof the present invention.

FIG. 7 b illustrates a second perspective view with portions broken awayof a wind-up type rodent trap of FIG. 7 a.

FIG. 8 a illustrates a perspective view of an insect monitor having anelectrode grid (and the cover partially removed) constructed inaccordance with the principles of the present invention.

FIG. 8 b illustrates a perspective view of the monitor of FIG. 8 a withthe cover of the insect monitor in place.

FIG. 8 c schematically illustrates a functional block diagram of theinsect monitor of FIG. 8 a constructed in accordance with the principlesof the present invention.

FIG. 9 a illustrates a rear view of a Tin-Cat style rodent trapconstructed in accordance with the principles of the present invention.

FIG. 9 b illustrates the Tin-Cat style rodent trap of FIG. 9 a with thecover hinged open to reveal the interior of the trap.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

A system constructed in accordance with the principles of the presentinvention may be employed in a variety of environments and with avariety of components. The system may include a variety of styles ofactivity sensing pest devices within a single facility (e.g., fortrapping or sensing any type of animal, rodent, fly or insect) andutilizing a single reporting database; include individual styles ofactivity sensing pest devices in different reporting databases for thesame facility; and/or include a single type of activity sensing pestdevices in one or more reporting databases. In each case, the principlesapply to an automatic, real-time reporting system for a plurality ofactivity sensing pest devices (e.g., traps and/or pest presencemonitors), with manual input means for providing additional data on boththe pest trap and pest monitor parameters based on physical inspection.A reporting database collects the data and provides reports on theresulting combined data. The system reports have greater utility,improve time, costs and efficiencies associated with inspection of thetraps, and improves pest control.

A discussion of the various preferred trap and monitor embodiments whichmay be used in connection with the present invention will be deferredpending a discussion of the functional elements making up the presentinvention.

First referring to FIG. 1, a functional block diagram of the automaticpest report generation system and additional pest trap and pest monitorparameter data is provided. The system is shown generally by thedesignation 10. A plurality of activity sensing pest devices are shownat the designation 11. Any number of “n” activity sensing pest devices11 may be utilized in connection with the present invention. In the caseof traps, each of the n traps 11 include a pest enclosing, retaining orkilling device (best seen in FIGS. 6, 7 a-7 b, and 9 a-9 b and discussedfurther below). As discussed above, one or more of the activity sensingpest devices 11 can also take the form of a passive or active pestmonitor—which monitor may or may not include a trapping device (bestseen in FIGS. 5 a-5 c and FIGS. 8 a-8 c). A pest sensor 12, a physicalinspection data entry device 13, and a communication block 14 are alsoprovided.

Pest sensor 12 may take a number of forms, but in each form generallymonitors pest activity in and/or about the trap 11. Examples of the pestsensor 12 include a switch or mercury switch (for monitoring movement ofthe trap), a capacitance device (for monitoring a pest altering thecapacitance of a grid), a current monitoring device (for detectingcurrent spikes in a destructive or electrocution style trap), or lightextinction of a light source (for monitoring an interrupted beam orlaser). The sensor 12 is generally located in or on the pest trap 11.However, it is possible to also locate the pest sensor 12 adjacent orproximate the trap 11. It will be appreciated that sensor 12 may belocated in an area without a trap being present. In this latter case,the sensor 12 acts as a pest monitor for that area. When pest activityis detected and a pest presence or detection signal is generated by thesensor 12, the pest presence signal is provided to the communicationblock 14.

The communication block 14 may take a number of forms. For example, thecommunication block may communicate over a fixed wire (e.g., to hardwirereceiver 21 via optional connection 23) or by telephone or cellularphone, it may take advantage of putting signals over existing wiring ina building, or it may utilize over-the-air transmissions designated as22. In each of these forms, the communication block 14 operates to passthe pest presence or detection signal—as a pest event—to a receiver 15(or alternatively directly to local PC 16). In the preferred embodiment,an RF type communication device is utilized. In this type of embodiment,the receiver 15 will generally be located relatively close to thetransmitter device in communication block 14. In the preferredembodiment, the transmitter range is generally around one hundred feet.However, the range is affected by, among other factors, the type of RFdevice used and by the structural characteristics of the facility orarea. If appropriate communication schemes are utilized, then thereceiver 15 may be located off-site.

Sensor 12 may include a memory device or other data storage toaccumulate event data and then pass along a block of information to thecommunication device. For example, sensor 12 may be constructed toarchive pest presence signals in an onboard memory location or in aseparate memory device 29. The later communication of the stored datamay occur at set intervals, may be prompted by a polling transaction, ormay be physically activated by an inspector via a personal computer,special purpose computing device, or PDA. By storing the data, anynumber of pest detection events may be transmitted as a block.

For example, in one embodiment (best seen in FIG. 5 a and discussed inmore detail below) the sensor may archive event data in the counterblock 511. The counter block 511 can include an electronic memorystorage location, and can optionally include a visually perceptiblemeans for displaying the data such as an LCD display or mechanicalcounter (not shown). The microprocessor block 509 can initiatetransmission of the collected data via communications block 510. Thiscan take the form of a PDA establishing contact with the communicationsblock 510 or take another of the forms identified above. The data can bepassed as individual event data or as histograms of the number of eventswithin different time windows.

The sensor 12 provides data on the activity sensing pest devices 11identifier code, the time of the event, and the event itself. However,the receiver 15 or local computer 16 (discussed below) may provide adate stamp for the received pest event. In one embodiment, thecommunication block 14 includes a transmitter manufactured by FreshlocTechnologies, Inc. (Plano, Tex.). Such transmitter is a strobe radiofrequency (RF) transmitter, disclosed in Heller U.S. Pat. No. 5,119,104and Heller U.S. Pat. No. 6,222,440, which patents are herebyincorporated by reference. The code of such device may be modified inorder to hold a resistance change for a period of time to insure thatevents are detected during polling.

Once the event is transmitted to receiver 15, the data is provided tolocal computer 16. Computer 16 may be a special purpose computing deviceor may be a personal computer (e.g., an IBM compatible computer having aPentium style chip). The data is in turn provided to remote personalcomputer 17 over the internet or direct connection 24. Computer 17includes a processor 27, input devices 18 (e.g., keyboard and mouse orother pointing device), video display unit 19, and a printer 20. CPU 27is provided to run a database program stored in memory 26. The programmay also be running from a hard drive, floppy drive, CD-ROM, or from aserver or other computer on a network machine. The database 25 is storedin memory 26. It will be appreciated that the database may also bestored on a local area network server, hard drive, cd-rom drive or otherstorage device accessible by the CPU 27.

Database 25 stores the event data and includes other database functions,such as relating events to pest trap identification numbers, andgenerating reports, among others. In one embodiment, the databaseprogram is provided by FreshLoc Technologies as part of their systemidentified by as the FreshLoc system. However, other relational databaseprograms capable of storing and relating fields in a number of records,and having a report writing capability may also be utilized. Whenutilizing other programs, the received data from the various activitysensing pest devices 11 must be recognized by the computer 17 and storedin the database 25. The database 25 can reside on local computer 16 withreports being generated locally and, optionally, transmitted to othercomputers via a network, extranet or internet.

In the database 25, the activity associated with each activity sensingpest devices 11 may be tracked by the unique ID number. The facility ofinterest contains any desired number of activity sensing pest devices 11and the location of the activity sensing pest devices 11 are maintainedwith the unique ID number to be used in the reporting process. FIG. 3illustrates a map of an exemplary facility with trap 11 locations andID's shown. The map data is generated from database 25. FIGS. 4 a-4 didentify exemplary reports. An initial report including only trapactivity data for a specific trap is illustrated in FIG. 4 a. It will beappreciated that “TRAP ACTIVITY” indicates that the sensor 12 employedin connection with the trap generated a pest presence signal which wasrelayed to the database 25. In FIG. 4 a, the specific trap identified inthe report is associated with an identifier code “KK6” (best seen in themap of FIG. 3). Virtually any series of letters, numbers and symbolsmight be employed as identifier codes, with the identifier codes setforth herein merely being one example. It will also be appreciated thatpest monitors may be provided with trap ID numbers regardless of whethera physical trap is associated with the pest monitor. In FIG. 4 b, aninitial report is generated showing traps which have initiated pestpresence signals and other traps which should be visited according tosome schedule. The schedule to visit other traps can be random,predetermined, or statistically generated. In FIG. 4 c, a summary reportwith additional trap parameter data added following a physicalinspection of the trap identified by the trap identification code KK 6is illustrated. In FIG. 4 d, a summary report for each of the trapsidentified in FIG. 3 is shown. FIGS. 3 and 4 a-4 d will be discussedfurther below.

In order to provide the feedback information, each activity sensing pestdevice 11 also preferably includes one or more feedback devices 13 whichpermit an inspector to provide physical trap and monitor parameterfeedback at the actual location of the activity sensing pest devices 11.This additional data is preferably input to the database 25 running oncomputer 17 (via the communication block 14 to receiver 15 to localcomputer 16). The feedback device 13 may take the form of one or morebuttons; a keypad; a keyboard; one or more dipswitches; an infraredreceiver which is configured to interact with a PDA (e.g., of the typesold under the designation Palm Pilot or other personal data device), orany other input device allowing selection among a plurality of parameterID's such as those set forth in Table I below. In each case, the device13 allows an inspector to indicate a particular parameter, from among apredetermined set of perimeters. For example, an inspector couldindicate that a trap was inspected and no animal was found or that thetrap was inspected and an animal was found. Table I includes arepresentative list of codes which may be utilized by a trap inspector.1

TABLE I Analog Code (Voltage level or Parameter Parameter ID DigitalCode resistance value) Description 1 0001 V1/R1 Trap Checked - NoActivity 2 0010 V2/R2 Trap Checked - Activity Type 1 Found 3 0011 V3/R3Trap Checked - Activity Type 2 Found 4 0100 V4/R4 Trap Checked -Activity Type 3 Found 5 0101 V5/R5 Trap Cleaned 6 0110 V6/R6 Trap Out ofPlace 7 0111 V7/R7 Trap Damaged 8 1000 V8/R8 Light Bulb Replaced 9 1001V9/R9 Glueboard Replaced 10 1010 V10/R10 Cover Opened

It will be appreciated that the trap parameter/data is exemplary andother information may be provided. Further, the code number may beassigned arbitrarily. In other systems, the code number may beassociated with other trap parameters. The resistance code is providedas an example of values which may be provided to a FreshLoc type systemto distinguish between the various feedback data being entered. However,various voltage levels (as shown in Table I) may also be employed togenerate the feedback data in an analog device.

The feedback data can alternatively be entered directly into localcomputer 16 by an operator after physically inspecting the traps. Thedata might also be temporarily stored during the inspection in a PDA orother special computing device, and subsequently downloaded intocomputer 16. In these embodiments, it will be appreciated that the inputblock 13, communication block 14 and receiver block 15 may be modifiedto function properly with the data gathering methodology employed.However, transmission of initial data on pest activity is preferred inorder to generate an initial report (for example visits to theappropriate activity sensing pest devices can then be determined).

Preferably each activity sensing pest device 11 includes a feedbackmechanism 13. Due to the characteristics of the physical premises, thecosts, the benefits from the individual activity sensing pest device 1,and other factors, one or more of the activity sensing pest devices 11may not include a feedback sensor 13. However, in view of the advantagesprovided by the feedback reporting system as described herein, it willbe appreciated that the benefits increase as the amount and quality ofthe feedback data increases.

Once transmitted to the database 25, the additional parameter data onthe activity sensing pest devices is also tracked against theappropriate ID number. This results in a refining of both the data andthe resulting reports from database 25. The activity sensing pestdevices reporting becomes a feedback loop as illustrated in FIG. 2 bythe designation 50. In FIG. 2 the sensors 12 provide data to summingblock 51 and to initial report block 52. The physical inspectioncomponent of the process includes reviewing the initial report(s) 52 andproviding additional physical inspection data at block 53. The physicalinspection data can include data on each trap and monitor 11. However,preferably the data is for a smaller set of traps and monitors, whichinclude those traps and monitors that generated a pest activity eventsignal and a number or percentage of the remaining traps and monitors ofthe “n” activity sensing pest devices 11 in the facility that did notshow any pest activity.

The feedback loop provides data on false positives, disturbed traps, andother factors. The time data corresponding to when the pest activityoccurs helps to proactively determine pest infiltration factors and/orinformation relating to maintaining an optimum pest control plan, suchas disturbed traps, etc.

Turning to FIG. 3 and FIGS. 4 a-d, an example of the system will bedescribed. In operation, if a mouse was caught in a mousetrap with trapid KK 6 (best seen in FIG. 3), the pest event for that trap would begenerated and the date and time would be communicated to computer 17 forrecording to database 25. As noted above, an alternative would be to usethe clock on computer 16 and/or computer 17 and merely record the dateand time of receipt of a transmission from a trap. A pest event maytrigger an immediate physical inspection of the trap. However, generallysuch inspections would occur daily, weekly or monthly. An initial reportshowing the pest activity of a particular trap is generated (FIG. 4 a)and a plan to inspect traps 11 showing pest activity is determined (FIG.4 b). In FIG. 4 a, the trap activity is shown only for trap KK 6. Twoother traps are shown in FIG. 4 b as having trap activity. These othertraps are traps KK 1 and KK 11. These three traps preferably have adifferent color corresponding to the Activity Legend illustrated in FIG.3. The map in FIG. 3 also preferably provides an indication of thenumber of pest activity events received for the given activity sensingpest device.

FIG. 4 b also includes a plan to inspect other activity sensing pestdevices 11. Although these latter devices 11 did not show pest activity,an inspection of the devices can reveal electronics malfunctions,undetected pest events, and visual evidence of pest activity that wasnot detected electronically. Accordingly, all activity sensing pestdevices will generally be inspected periodically. Such inspections canoccur at a lower frequency based on the initial reports. When the trapis physically inspected, feedback on the trap parameters can be providedto the system via one or more feedback devices 13. FIG. 4 c illustratesa summary for a particular trap which generated pest presence signalswith additional feedback data added to the summary. As shown in FIG. 4c, the trap was disturbed on two separate occasions with no rodentcaught. This may be an indication of intentional or inadvertent movementof the trap by workers or inanimate objects (e.g., a forklift, pallets,etc.) in the area, a failing trap, or malfunction, among others. In anyof these events, proactive measures can be taken to determine the causeof the activity. Additionally, final summary reports for all of thetraps (or a subset thereof) can be generated as shown in FIG. 4 d.

The various styles of traps 11 may include a large variety ofcommercially available traps for trapping any type of animal, such asrodents or insects. Examples of commercially available liveanimal/rodent traps are the Victor M310 Tin Cat; the Havahart LiveTraps; the Kwik Katch Mouse Trap, and the Kness Ketch-All. Examples ofcommercially available zapping light traps are the Gardner AG2001; theGardner AG-661 Light Trap, and the Anderson Adhesive Insect Light Trap.Examples of commercially available glueboard light traps are the EcolabStealth Unit; the Gardner WS25; the Gardner GT100, and the AndersonAdhesive Insect Light Traps.

Several preferred embodiments of activity sensing pest devices 11 whichmay be utilized together with the present invention will next bediscussed.

FIGS. 5 a through 5 c illustrate a non-destructive flying insectmonitor, while FIG. 6 illustrates a destructive flying insect trap.Current flytraps used in pest control service employ several methods ofimmobilizing flying insects. A service technician during routine servicecleans the trap and may make a note of the extent of activity at thetrap based on visual inspection. This standard method of pest controlservice has a number of limitations. Of primary importance to customersand pest control companies is verifying that technicians actuallyvisited the trap and did not simply conjure up false information. Asecond limitation is that activity (i.e., a count of insects) is onlytrackable to the time between services, such as monthly or weekly. Sincethe data is not real-time activity, it cannot be broken down into dailyor hourly counts. This limitation prevents the implementation ofproactive solution of problems (e.g., such as employees leaving doorsopen) and the targeted response to known problems (e.g., such asdiscarding potentially contaminated products based on pest activity).The trap 500 shown in FIGS. 5 a-5 c overcomes these drawbacks byproviding both real-time data logging and communication of additionaltrap parameters (e.g., service activity).

The trap 500 includes a curtain of light made up of a beam 502 which isbounced between reflective surfaces 504. In the preferred embodiment, alaser 503 is utilized with a laser power supply 505. Other light sourceswith collimating lenses (not shown) might also be used. The laser beamterminates at a photo cell 506. The photocell 506 is connected toamplifier circuit block 507. A sensitivity adjustment block 508 isincluded to compensate for the various devices into which the amplifiedsignal from the photo cell might be provided. Such devices can include amicroprocessor 509, a transmitter 510 (which may be used as atransmitter 14), manual input device (feedback mechanism) 516, and/or acounter block 511. Manual input device 516 may be used as the additionaltrap parameter input means 13.

When a flying insect 501 enters into the beam of light 502, a part ofthe light is extinguished. The photocell 506 detects the lower lightintensity. Therefore, the light curtain may be used as a pest monitor orsensor 12. The amplifier circuit block 507 and sensitivity adjustmentblock 508 provide the pest activity signal to transmitter block 510(and/or other blocks 509 and 511). The flying insects 501 are attractedby UV lamps 512 or other attractant. The device can operate as a counteralone (e.g., as a pest monitor without a physical trap) or it canoperate as a trap. In the latter case, the flying insect may becomeentangled on a glue or sticky board lying beneath the light curtain 514and/or become eliminated by electrical discharge device (not shown). Ahousing 513 mounts the various components of the trap.

A further discussion of a non-destructive flying insect monitor (andoptional destructive trap) may be found in the commonly assignedapplication of the assignee hereof entitled LIGHT EXTINCTION BASEDNON-DESTRUCTIVE FLYING INSECT DETECTOR, issued as U.S. Pat. No.7,071,829 on Jul. 4, 2006, the entire contents of which is incorporatedherein by reference.

FIG. 6 illustrates an electrical-discharge insect-control system 550with an event monitoring circuit 551. The trap 550 kills insects bydischarging electricity from a transformer 552 through the insect whenit approaches the electrified grid 553. The insect reduces the air gapbetween the electrodes of the grid, allowing breakdown to occur in theair and electrical current to flow through the insect and air. Thecurrent flows during the short period of time in which the insect is inthe vicinity of the grid and kills the insect. The trap 550 includes asensing circuit 551 to monitor for a pest event (e.g., when an insect isin the vicinity of the grid 553). When the current flows, the circuitdetects the transient signal as the system is activated and suppliesthis signal to a counter 554 and/or microprocessor 555 for compilationof event data. This data can then be transmitted by a transmitter device556 for further analysis. Feedback information may also be supplied fortransmission via the feedback device 557 by the user of the system.

FIGS. 7 a and 7 b illustrate a wind up type rodent trap 605 of the typeknown in the art. However, additional components including pestactivation sensor 12, communication device 14, an optional gross motionsensing switch 603, an optional cover switch 604, and additional trapparameter input means 13 are provided within housing 601 of trap 60. Inthe preferred embodiment, the sensor 12 is a contact closure switchutilizing mechanical or magnetic action, the communication device 14 isa modified FreshLoc device identified above, and the input means 13 arespring activated contact buttons 13.

Gross motion sensing switch 603 provides information on rough treatmentof the trap 605. Examples may include the trap 605 being kicked by anindividual or struck by an inanimate object (e.g., a ladder orforklift). Cover switch 604 can provide information on whether the traphas been opened prior to the physical inspection. Such information canexplain an empty trap even though a pest detection signal has beengenerated and a pest event received. This switch can be a mercury typeswitch, a momentum switch, and other switches which sense physicalmovement of the trap (or which monitor the physical location of thetrap, e.g., a GPS sensor). Switch 604 can take the form of a mechanicalswitch, photo sensitive switch, magnetic switch, and other devices whichare capable of functionally determining if the cover has been opened.

In operation, a mouse or other rodent enters the trap 605 throughentrance hole 600 into the rotating trap mechanism 602. The mechanismrotates with the rodent to place the rodent within enclosure 60, butwithout access back through entrance hole 600. The sensor 12 detects therotation and triggers a pest activity signal to transmitter 14. Thiscauses transmitter 14 to communicate with receiver 15 that a pest eventoccurred. During subsequent inspection, additional trap parameter datacan be entered through buttons 13.

FIGS. 8 a-8 c illustrate an insect monitor 800 with electrode grid 801.Capacitive sensing block 803 is operatively attached to the grid 801.Power block 802 is connected to the capacitive sensing block 803 and tothe microprocessor block 804. Memory block 805 is connected to themicroprocessor block 804 (and/or the microprocessor can have its own onboard memory; not shown). Switch block 808 is connected to themicroprocessor block 804 to provide user feedback input. IR device 806is provided to enable input and output communication with a PDA 21 orother IR communication device. An RF device 807 may also be connected tomicroprocessor block 804 to provide RF communication with the monitor800.

Capacitive sensing block 803 is arranged and configured to detectchanges in the capacitive coupling between the electrodes of grid 801.When an insect enters the monitor 800, the insect provides capacitivecoupling between the electrodes of the grid 801. The change is sensed bythe capacitive sensing chip 803. The time and date of the event isdetermined by the microprocessor block 804 and may be stored in memory805 or can be transmitted directly to a computer 16 via RF device 807.If the data is stored in memory block 805, it may be transmitted at alatter time (e.g., in a batch mode) via RF device 807; it can be storedfor transmission to a PDA device 21 via IR device 806; and/or it can betransmitted after additional data is entered at manual input device(switch) 808. If RF device 807 provides for two way transmission, theinformation can also be transmitted after a polling transmission bycomputer 16 (via receiver block 15).

Prior art devices of this type of monitor are often accomplished by useof glue boards with plastic covers or strategically placed attractants.A limitation of these devices is that a service technician does not havethe ability to determine when the activity occurred during the servicecycle. The monitor shown in FIGS. 8 a-8 c allows the comparison not onlyof activity in multiple monitors but also allows technicians todetermine if activity occurred at the same time. An additionallimitation of traditional monitors is that technicians can report theyvisited a monitor without actually having visited the monitor.Therefore, the feedback buttons 808 (best seen in FIG. 8 c) insures thatthe monitor was inspected, as well as documenting the inspectionprocess. A further benefit of the monitor 800 of FIGS. 8 a-8 c is thatthe monitor does not have to immobilize the insect to communicate theactivity to the inspector. This benefit allows the database 25 to reporton the activity in a facility without causing customers or inspectors toview unsightly insects.

A further discussion of the capacitive sensing monitor may be found inthe commonly assigned application of the assignee hereof entitled METHODAND APPARATUS FOR CAPACITIVELY SENSING PESTS, issued as U.S. Pat. No.6,937,156 on Aug. 30, 2005, the entire contents of which is incorporatedherein by reference.

FIGS. 9 a and 9 b illustrate a rodent trap 900 of the type known in theart as a tin cat style trap. Additional components including pestactivation sensor 12, communication device 14, and additional trapparameter input means 13 are provided on the rear of 901 of trap 900.Two different types of sensors are shown on trap 900. Switch 910 isshown on one side of the trap 900. A contact element 905 is shown on theinside of trap housing 901 corresponding to switch 910. Contact element905 is closed by movement of the first trap mechanism 904. On the otherside of trap 900, a magnetic sensor 909 is shown. Magnet 908 resideswithin housing 901 and passes by the magnetic sensor 909 throughmovement of the second trap mechanism 904′. In the preferred embodiment,the communication device 14 is a FreshLoc device identified above, andthe input means 13 are spring activated contact buttons.

In operation, a mouse or other rodent enters the trap 900 throughentrance holes 903 into trap mechanism 904 or 904′. The weight of therodent lowers the mechanism 904 or 904′ closing contact 905 or passingmagnet 908 past magnetic sensor 909. The rodent crawls under the loweropening of blocking element 906 and into the trap 900. Once the rodentis off of the mechanism 904 or 904′, it springs back up so the rodentcannot exit back through holes 903. Cover 902 is hinged and securelyfastens to base 907. The sensor 12 detects the momentary contact ofcontact 905 or change in magnetic field from magnet 908 and triggers apest activity or detection signal to transmitter 14. This causestransmitter 14 to communicate with receiver 15 that a pest eventoccurred. During subsequent inspection, additional trap parameter datacan be entered through buttons 13.

It will be appreciated that the principles of this invention apply notonly to the types of activity sensing pest devices (including traps andmonitors) described herein, but also to the method of collecting pestmonitoring and/or trap data, and then providing feedback data based onphysical inspections. While particular embodiments of the invention havebeen described with respect to its application, it will be understood bythose skilled in the art that the invention is not limited by suchapplication or embodiment or the particular components disclosed anddescribed herein. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the artthat other components that embody the principles of this invention andother applications therefore other than as described herein can beconfigured within the spirit and intent of this invention. Thearrangement described herein is provided as only one example of anembodiment that incorporates and practices the principles of thisinvention. Other modifications and alterations are well within theknowledge of those skilled in the art and are to be included within thebroad scope of the appended claims.

1. A pest trap reporting system, comprising: a) a pest report databasethat includes pest activity information for a plurality of pest traps,wherein each pest trap encloses, retains or kills one or more non-humanpests; b) a plurality of sensors, each associated with one of theplurality of pest traps, wherein each sensor senses pest activity in anarea monitored by the sensor and generates a pest activity signal thatincludes pest activity information and pest trap identificationinformation that identifies the pest trap with which the sensor isassociated; and c) a communication device including an RF transmitterand receiver that receives the pest activity signals from the sensorsand communicates the pest activity signals to the pest report database,and wherein the pest report database is updated upon receipt of the pestactivity signal based on the pest trap device identificationinformation.
 2. The system of claim 1, wherein at least one of theplurality of pest traps includes an electrocution grid.
 3. The system ofclaim 1, wherein at least one of the plurality of pest traps includes aglue board for trapping flying insects.
 4. The system, of claim 1,wherein at least one of the plurality of pest traps includes a wind upstyle mouse trap.
 5. The system of claim 1, wherein at least one of theplurality of pest traps includes a tin cat style mouse trap.
 6. Thesystem of claim 1, wherein at least one of the plurality of sensorsincludes a flying insect counter.
 7. The system of claim 6, wherein theflying insect counter includes a light beam and a sensor for detectingthe intensity of the light beam, wherein when a flying insect fliesthrough the beam, the light intensity decreases and the sensor detectsthe decreased light intensity as pest activity.
 8. The system of claim1, wherein at least one of the plurality of sensors includes anon-flying bug counter.
 9. The system of claim 8, wherein at least oneof the plurality of sensors includes a capacitance grid.
 10. The system,of claim 1, wherein the pest activity signal is generated at discretetime intervals.
 11. The system of claim 10, wherein the discrete timeintervals are short to approximate real time.
 12. The system of claim 1,wherein the pest activity signal is generated in real time.
 13. Thesystem of claim 1, further including a memory that stores the pestactivity signals for batch transmission by the communication device. 14.The system of claim 1, further comprising at least one manual inputdevice that accepts manual input concerning at least one of theplurality of pest traps.
 15. The system, of claim 14, wherein the manualinput includes data concerning the condition of at least one of theplurality of pest traps.
 16. The system of claim 14, wherein thecommunication device transmits the manual input data to the pest reportdatabase.
 17. The system of claim 14, wherein the manual input includesdata that indicates that at least one of the plurality of pest traps wasphysically inspected.
 18. The system of claim 1, further comprising aplurality of manual input devices, each of which accepts manual inputconcerning a different one of the plurality of pest traps.
 19. Thesystem of 1, further comprising a plurality of communication devices,each associated with one of the plurality of pest traps and eachincluding an RF transmitter and receiver that receives the pest activitysignals from the associated one of the plurality of sensors andcommunicates the pest activity signals to the pest report database